Array design, based on the Berkeley database release 3.1, offers researchers the most comprehensive and up-to-date microarray available for D melanogaster gene expression research
Affymetrix has announced that it is taking orders for its new GeneChip Drosophila Genome 2.0 array, offering researchers the most comprehensive and up-to-date microarray available for Drosophila melanogaster gene expression research.
The design of the new array was largely based on the content from the recent annotation (release 3.1) of the Drosophila melanogaster genome by Flybase and the Berkeley Drosophila Genome Project (BDGP), funded by the US National Human Genome Research Institute, Department of Energy, and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute.
In addition, other published gene predictions from the Drosophila research community were also included.
Gerald Rubin, director of the BDGP, commented on the recent Drosophila genome release: "The Drosophila community contributed new data, computational analysis, and human curation to create release 3.1, a significant improvement on our view of the genome which the previous generation Drosophila Affymetrix array was based". "This array is not only based on the most recent view of the genome, it also utilises our sophisticated probe selection methods and leverages our high-resolution platform for improved analysis," said Lianne McLean, director, gene expression marketing, Affymetrix.
"The new array design includes over 30% more content than the previous generation Drosophila melanogaster design.
"Our customers are excited about this release".
Affymetrix's probe set strategy, which uses multiple data points to measure each transcript, has been proven through a series of rigorous and exacting performance benchmarks to provide an unparalleled level of data quality.
In total, the array uses over 500,000 data points to measure the expression of 18,500 transcripts and variants.
28 different probes are used to measure each individual transcript, providing optimal sensitivity and specificity, and the most accurate, reproducible and statistically significant results possible.
Affymetrix says it has become the industry standard technology for gene expression analysis, with over 2000 papers in total published using the GeneChip technology.
The Drosophila Genome 2.0 array is part of Affymetrix's latest generation system, which includes new instruments, reagents and higher density arrays.
The new arrays offer over two and a half times more data on a single array, putting high quality, affordable whole-genome analysis within the reach of individual researchers worldwide.
Affymetrix will provide quarterly updates of Drosophila sequence and annotation information through NetAffx Analysis Center to keep researchers abreast of the latest annotation developments.
Affymetrix launched its first Drosophila melanogaster array in 2000.
